DOH Issues HEALTH ADVISORY Regarding PEDIATRIC MULTI-SYSTEM INFLAMMATORY SYNDROME POTENTIALLY ASSOCIATED with COVID-19 SUMMARY

Last night, DOH issued guidance regarding COVID-19 possibly being linked with a pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome disease.

  • As of May 5, 2020, sixty-four (64) suspected pediatric clinical cases compatible with multi-system inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19 have been reported in children in New York State hospitals, including New York City.

The purpose of this health advisory is to (1) ensure providers are aware of the pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome potentially associated with COVID-19 and (2) provide guidance on reporting of cases to NYS DOH and testing of patients who present with this disease.

In the United Kingdom and Europe, a possible link has been reported between COVID-19 and a serious inflammatory disease recently termed “Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome Temporally Associated with COVID-19.

This syndrome has features which overlap with Kawasaki Disease and Toxic Shock Syndrome. Inflammatory markers may be elevated, and fever and abdominal symptoms may be prominent. Rash also may be present. Myocarditis and other cardiovascular changes may be seen.

Additionally, some patients have developed cardiogenic or vasogenic shock and required intensive care. This inflammatory syndrome may occur days to weeks after acute COVID-19 illness.

The syndrome may include: a child presenting with persistent fever, inflammation (e.g. neutrophilia, elevated C-reactive protein and lymphopenia) and evidence of single or multi-organ dysfunction (shock, cardiac, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal or neurological disorder). This may include children meeting full or partial criteria for Kawasaki disease.

Exclusion of any other microbial cause, including bacterial sepsis, staphylococcal or streptococcal shock syndromes, and infections associated with myocarditis such as enterovirus. Clinicians should not delay seeking expert advice while waiting for results of these investigations.

Early recognition by pediatricians and prompt referral to an in-patient specialist, including to critical care is essential.

RESOURCES

HCP Webinar: Telehealth During the COVID-19 Crisis and Beyond

Executive Orders and State Guidance have ensured home care providers could responsibly use telehealth to continue to provide care and services to the vulnerable patient population and meet critical NYS regulations. What are the current regulations that specify the use of telehealth in the NYS Licensed Home Care setting? How do providers currently use telehealth to promote patient safety? What are the current telehealth best practices and how does the industry prepare for upcoming changes in the delivery of home care services?

Access a recording of this program to learn how to utilize telehealth options now and prepare for the transformation of home care services beyond the COVID-19 crisis.

You can access this free webinar here.

National Nurses Week Continues!

Now more than ever there are countless reasons to honor nurses fighting on the front lines of the COVID crisis. We honor and applaud nurses today, this week in recognition of National Nurses Week, this year during the Year of the Nurse and ALWAYS. HCP wishes to express its profound gratitude for and appreciation of nurses everywhere. We honor nurses in all health care professions, especially home care. During these critical times nurses are called on to go above and beyond to keep our communities safe and healthy. A call they are always willing to answer.

Show your appreciation for nurses this week!

If you are a nurse, or know a nurse, who is interested in expanding or starting a career in home care through continuing education, please consider visiting www.ednascholarship.org. The Edna A. Lauterbach Scholarship is available every Spring for New York State Registered Nurses (RNs) or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who are planning to further their career in home and community-based care. Applicants for the scholarship must currently hold an RN or LPN from New York State to be eligible for consideration.

Upcoming HCP Webinar: Re-opening Your Business After Being on Pause

Tuesday, May 12, 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM

Learning how to mitigate the challenges presented by COVID-19 is ever constant. Every single day people, families and businesses are readjusting based on new information. Many businesses have completely shut down operations, or, had to modify work practices such as working from home. Eventually, every one of us must begin to pick up the pieces and try to find our way back to some type of normalcy. The one thing we do know is the manner in which business is conducted will be changed forever. But how do you re-open your business? Where do you start?

This session will address issues organizational leadership must begin thinking about in this pandemic time. Included will be discussion on:

  • Regulatory compliance
  • Environment control
  • Documentation
  • Employee monitoring, and much more.

This is a free program customized for NYS Licensed Home Care Services Providers. Please register for the free program here.

DOH Encourages Essential Workers to Get Tested

Essential Workers in New York State can make an appointment to be tested at one of DOH’s drive through or walk in testing sites by calling the COVID-19 Hotline at 1-888-364-3065 or online at covid19screening.health.ny.gov.

Testing sites are located throughout the State. For additional information please see the information here.

Essential workers include individuals who are employed as health care workers, first responders, or in any position within a nursing home, long-term care facility, or other congregate care setting, including but not limited to: Direct Care Providers, Firefighters Medical Specialists, Nutritionists and Dietitians, Occupational/Physical/Recreational/Speech Therapists, Paramedics/Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), Psychologists/Psychiatrists, Residential Care Program Managers.